Bicycle car rack and work stand

ABSTRACT

A combination bicycle car rack and work stand is provided. The device has one or more bicycle carrier channels to secure one or more bicycles, and a clamp assembly which can be oriented in a desired position in order to perform maintenance or repair on another mounted bicycle. The invention may be mounted to a vehicle, or may be mounted to a stationary base. If the clamp assembly is not in use, additional bicycles may be transported by removing the clamp assembly, and attaching a bike transport assembly which includes additional bike carrier channels. Enhanced structural support is provided on the support assembly of the device to ensure a strong and rigid connection with the hitch assembly of a vehicle. The clamp assembly is adapted to receive various sized components of a bicycle, and can be rotatably oriented with ease.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/776,968, filed Feb. 5, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,116,entitled “BICYCLE CAR RACK AND WORK STAND”, which is incorporated hereinby this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a device which secures anobject such as a bicycle for transport and repair, and moreparticularly, to a combination bicycle car rack and work standespecially adapted for attachment to a motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART

A bicycle car rack is a common means of transporting bicycles on avehicle. Typically, such racks utilize the vehicle's existing trailerhitch receiver as an attachment point. When the bicycle rack is not inuse, the rack is simply disconnected from the receiver. A-well knowndevice to secure a bicycle during repair is a portable repair stand.Typically, the portable repair stand includes a clamp which secures thebicycle at a desired location and orientation, and a base which supportsthe suspended bicycle.

A number of prior art references disclose both hitch racks and repairstands. One example of a reference which discloses a repair stand whichmounts to a motor vehicle includes the U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,280. In thisreference, a base member is adapted to connect to the receiver hitch ofthe vehicle. A riser member adjustable connects to the base member. Aclamp support member projects horizontally from the riser member. Theclamp support member includes a clamp which may secure the bicycleframe, or other components of the bicycle.

One example of a bicycle rack which is mounted to a vehicle includes theU.S. Pat. No. 4,676,413. This reference discloses a pair of framemounting brackets secured to the frame of the vehicle. A rack assemblyis supported by the frame mounting brackets. Bicycle hangar rods aresecured to the top end of the rack assembly. One or more bicycles may bemounted on the rack assembly and secured by the hangar rods.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,981,491 is an example of a portable work stand. The workstand includes a pair of relatively movable jaws between which a tubularmember of a bicycle may be securely clamped.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,346 discloses a clamping device especially adaptedfor securing bicycles thereto. The clamping device attaches to thetrailer hitch of the vehicle. The clamping device includes cooperatingclamping jaws which, once closed, are automatically locked in the closedposition about the tubing of the bicycle.

Other examples of bicycle racks adapted for mounting to a vehicleinclude U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,277,346; 5,803,330; 4,676,414; 5,845,831; and6,000,593. The purpose common to each of these references is a devicewhich rigidly mounts one or more bicycles to a vehicle; however, nomeans is provided to orient a bicycle in a multitude of positions inaccordance with functional attributes of a work stand. Thus, while theforegoing body of prior art indicates that it is known to supportbicycles on vehicles for transporting the bicycles, or to mount a workstand to a vehicle for repair of a single bicycle, it is notcontemplated to provide in a single device a combination work standwhich enables one to exactly position a bicycle in a desiredorientation, and simultaneously provide a bike carrier or bike rack tosecure and transport additional bicycles on the same device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in broad terms, includes capabilities as both awork stand for repair and maintenance of a bicycle, and a bicycle carrack for securing and transporting one or more bicycles to a vehicle.Structurally, the bicycle car rack and work stand of the inventionincludes a support assembly characterized by an insert tube which isreceived in the receiver tube of the trailer hitch assembly, a verticalframe tube connected to the protruding end of the insert tube, and ahorizontal frame tube connected to the upper end of the vertical frametube. A clamp assembly is mounted on the horizontal frame tube and maybe used to secure and precisely position a bicycle for maintenance orrepair. One or more bike carrier members are provided to secureadditional bicycles to the car rack and work stand. Optionally, theclamp assembly may be removed and replaced with a bike transportassembly which allows a number of additional bicycles to be secured tothe device of this invention. The clamp assembly is adjustable toreceive various sizes of bike tubing frames, or other components of abicycle which must be secure for maintenance or repair.

The vertical frame tube pivotally connects to the receiver tube. A tiltlock pin is provided which allows the vertical frame tube to be securedin a vertical upright position or rotated downward to a more horizontalposition. Additional structural support is provided in the form of ananti-sway plate which more rigidly secures the insert tube to thereceiver tube of the trailer hitch assembly. A gusset may be provided tofurther support the vertical frame tube and the gusset, if used, acts asa cable pass-through.

The clamp assembly may be rotated to any desired position. A securinghandle is used to engage or disengage a pair of clutch plates, and auser may then rotate the clamp assembly to the desired orientation whilethe clutch plates are disengaged.

The clamp assembly includes a clamp handle which manipulates an upperjaw of a pair of opposing jaw channels which secure the bicyclecomponent therebetween. A lower jaw channel is fixed to a clamp supporttube of the clamp assembly. The upper jaw channel moves with respect tothe lower jaw channel, and can be locked into place by pushing down onthe clamp handle tube. The gap between the upper and lower jaw channelsmay be adjustable by a barrel nut which provides linkage between theclamp handle and the clamp support tube. Accordingly, the clamp assemblyis able to receive various sized bicycle components.

If there is no need for conducting repair or maintenance on a bicycle,the clamp assembly may be removed and replaced with a bike transportassembly which has a plurality of bike carrier channels. For each of thebike carrier channels, a tubular member of the bicycle rests in thechannel, and then a strap may be used to secure the bicycle component tothe particular channel.

Although this invention is adapted for attachment to a vehicle, theinvention may also be disconnected from a vehicle and mounted to astationary pedestal receiver.

The foregoing discussed advantages along with others will becomeapparent from a review of the description which follows in conjunctionwith the corresponding figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the bicycle car rack andwork stand of this invention illustrating the clamp assembly attached,and the bicycle transport assembly detached;

FIG. 2 is a reduced perspective view of the device of this inventionillustrating the invention mounted to the trailer hitch assembly of avehicle, and also illustrating a bicycle secured by the clamp assembly;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the device of thisinvention illustrating both the clamp assembly and bike transportassembly detached from the support assembly;

FIG. 4 is a vertical section, taken along line 4—4 of FIG. 3,illustrating the device of the invention assembled and with the clampassembly illustrated in the open position;

FIG. 5 is another vertical section, taken along line 4—4 of FIG. 3,illustrating the clamp assembly in the closed position for securing acomponent of a bicycle;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the rotationalcapability of the clamp assembly;

FIG. 7 is a another fragmentary perspective view illustrating the biketransport assembly attached, and further showing a component of abicycle mounted to one of the bike carrier channels as by a strapassembly;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pedestal assembly which is integralwith the device of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pedestal receiver which may be usedwhen the device is removed from its mounted position on a vehicle;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the receiver of FIG. 9in use; and

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates the car rack and work stand 10 of this invention. Thedevice includes three major assemblies, namely, a clamp assembly 12, asupport assembly 14, and a bike transport assembly 110. As shown in FIG.2, the support assembly 14 includes a horizontally extending insert tube16 which is inserted in the receiver tube T of the trailer hitchassembly of a vehicle V. The support assembly 14 further includes avertical frame tube 18 which rotatably connects to insert tube 16 as bytilt swivel pin 38. The upper end of frame tube 18 connects tohorizontal frame tube 20 as by a welded connection along seam 22. Theinsert tube 16 includes one or more mounting pin holes 24 drilledtransversely through the tube 16. Mounting pin P may then secure theinsert tube 16 by inserting the pin P through the hole in receiver tubeT and the aligned mounting pin hole 24. FIG. 2 shows but one means bywhich the device of this invention may be attached to the trailer hitchassembly of a vehicle. The arrangement shown in FIG. 2 is one of themore common trailer hitch assemblies found on many modern vehicles. Aswell understood by those of skill in the art, insert tube 16 could bemodified or adapted for connection to other types of trailer hitchassemblies.

In order to enhance the structural integrity and stability of thedevice, an anti-sway plate 26 is provided, along with tensioner 28. Asshown in FIG. 2, anti-sway plate 26 overlaps the interface betweenreceiver tube T and insert tube 16. Tensioner 28 is tightened which thenstabilizes the connection between receiver tube T and insert tube 16.Further structural support is provided by angled gusset plate 30 whichis welded to the vertical frame tube 18. A pair of securing plates 34which are provided for extra structural support receive both the tiltswivel pin 38 and tilt lock pin 36. As shown in FIG. 3, the tilt lockpin 36 may be removed which allows vertical frame tube 18 to rotate.Tilt swivel pin 38 remains attached. It may be necessary to rotatevertical frame tube 18 if the device of this invention is mounted to thetrailer hitch assembly of a pick-up truck, or other recreational vehiclewhich has a tailgate. Rotation of frame tube 18 to the more horizontalposition would allow the tailgate to be opened.

The horizontal frame tube 20 has mounted thereto one or more bicyclecarrier channels 42. FIG. 1 illustrates just one bike carrier channel42; however, it is well within the scope of this invention to haveadditional bike carrier channels 42, depending upon the length of frametube 20. Bike carrier channel 42 includes a lower support member 42, anda rubber or resilient covering 46 overlying the support member 44. Asbest seen in FIG. 4, the bike carrier channel is a v-shaped member whichis simply welded to the upper surface of frame tube 20.

Now referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6, the clamp assembly 12 will nowbe explained in more, detail. The clamp assembly 12 includes a clamphandle tube 48 which is grasped by the user and is positioned either inthe open position as shown in FIG. 3, or in the closed position as shownin FIG. 1. The clamp handle tube 48 connects to clamp handle square 50.A pair of clamp side plates 52 and 53 serves as the primary linkagemembers. As shown, handle pivot pin 54 is inserted between the plates 52and 53 and thus rotatably connects handle square 50 to plates 52 and 53.A pair of jaw pivot mounts 66 and 67 attached to the upper surface ofclamp support tube 64. Jaw pivot pin 56 is inserted between pivot mounts66 and 67, and thus rotatably attaches side plates 52 and 53 to themounts 66 and 67. A clip may be used to secure pins 54 and 56 asnecessary, and which allows more easy disassembly of this clampassembly. Upper jaw channel 60 attaches to the forward or distal ends ofside plates 52 and 53, as best seen in FIG. 4. Lower jaw channel 62 ismounted to the most forward or distal end of clamp support tube 64. Anupper handle pivot mount 68 is mounted to the lower or under side edgeof clamp handle square 50. A pair of lower handle pivot mounts 72 and 73as best seen in FIG. 3 are mounted to the clamp support tube 64proximally of the jaw pivot mounts 66 and 67. Threaded rod 76 extendsfrom mount 68 and is secured by pivot mount pin 70. A barrel nut 78 isscrewed over the free end of threaded rod 76. As shown in FIG. 4, thelower end of barrel nut 78 attaches to extension 75 which is rotatablysecured between mounts 72 and 73 by pin 74. The barrel nut can bescrewed or unscrewed along the threaded rod 76 to change the effectivelength of the linkage between upper pivot mount 68 and lower pivotmounts 72 and 73.

When the clamp handle tube 48 is lifted to the more verticalorientation, jaw 60 is separated from jaw 62. When the tube 48 is pusheddown to the more horizontal orientation, upper jaw of channel 60 movestowards lower jaw channel 62. As best seen in FIG. 6, a stop tab 80mounts horizontally between side plates 52 and 53, and serves as a stopto limit the downward travel of clamp handle tube 48 by contact with thelower edge of upper pivot mount 68. As best seen in FIG. 5, a portion ofthe frame F of a bicycle is locked between jaws 60 and 62. The gap Gbetween jaws 60 and 62 can be changed to accommodate-the particularsized frame member which is secured between the jaws by screwing orunscrewing the barrel nut 78 over threaded rod 76.

As shown in FIG. 6, the clamp assembly 12 may be rotated to any desiredposition. This capability is achieved by clutch plates 82 and 86 whichmay be engaged or disengaged by securing handle 100. More specifically,clutch plate 82 is secured to the proximal end of clamp support tube 64.Clutch plate 86 is secured to the distal or forward end of horizontalframe tube 20. A clutch plate bushing 84 is positioned between theclutch plates 82 and 86. The securing handle 100 includes an elongatethreaded bolt 104 which is inserted through an opening on the upper endof vertical frame tube 18, and extends internally through frame tube 20.The threaded bolt 104 further extends through an opening 88 in clutchplate 86, opening 90 in bushing 84, and through a central opening inclutch plate 82. A grip 102 attaches to the proximal end of threadedbolt 104. As shown in FIG. 4, an internal securing nut 106 is rigidlymounted within the interior of support tube 64, and the distal end ofthe threaded bolt 104 also extends through the securing nut 106. If itis desired to rotate the clamp assembly, grip 102 is unscrewed thusloosening clutch plates 82 and 86. The clamp assembly is rotated to thedesired orientation, and then grip 102 is tightened thus forcing clutchplates 82 and 86 back against one another. Washer 103 may be mountedover threaded bolt 104 to help prevent damage against the exteriorsurface of tube 18 due to contact with the grip 102.

Hasp openings 92 and 94 may be drilled through clutch plates 86 and 82,which allows a lock 98 having a hasp 96 to pass therethrough, as shownin FIG. 4. Thus, the clamp assembly can be locked to prevent theft.

Now referring to FIG. 7, the bike transport system 110 is shown mountedto support assembly 14. The bike transport assembly includes a pluralityof bike carrier channels 112, mounted to the support tube 114. As withthe clamp assembly, the bike transport assembly 110 also includes itsown clutch plate 116 which mounts against clutch plate 86. Thus, thebike transport assembly 110 may also be rotated to the desiredorientation. However, the most common and efficient orientation of thebike transport assembly is when the carrier channels 112 are maintainedin a horizontal orientation. The bike carrier channels 112 areconstructed in the same manner as carrier channel 42, and are simplywelded to the support tube 114. In order to lock the bike transportassembly to the support assembly, bike transport assembly also includesa hasp opening 118 which may be aligned with hasp opening 92 to receivethe hasp 96 of lock 98. Although a bike transport assembly 110 has beenillustrated, it shall be understood that the device of this inventioncan also be used in conjunction with other types of securing assembliessuch as an assembly for securing skis or other objects. Thus, the skirack would simply have to include some means for connection to theclutch plate 86, preferably a clutch plate like clutch plate 116 of thebike transport assembly 110. Those skilled in the art can envision otherspecific objects which might be transported by the device of thisinvention.

A strap assembly 120 as of the type shown in FIG. 7 may be used tosecure the bicycles to the bike carrier channels. One particularlyeffective strap assembly 120 includes a loop 122, a strap portion 124,and hook and pile material 126. The strap assembly 120 can simply bewrapped around the frame F of the particular bicycle, and around thecorresponding bike carrier channel. Those skilled in the art canenvision other types of strap assemblies which may be used to secure theframe or other components of a bicycle to the bike carrier channels.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the device of theinvention is not mounted to a vehicle, but rather is permanently mountedto a stationary pedestal. As shown, this stationary embodiment pedestalassembly 130 simply comprises the vertical tube 18 attached to a base132. The base 132 is of sufficient weight and size to stabilize theupper components of the device, or the base 132 can be of a smaller sizeand bolted to the floor for support.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate yet another alternative embodiment of theinvention which allows the invention to be adapted for mounting toanother type of stationary base or pedestal. As shown in FIG. 9, thisbase 134 includes a vertical support member 136 having a lower endattached to base support member 138. The upper end of vertical supportmember 136 attaches to horizontal receiving member 140. Once the deviceis removed from a vehicle, the free end of insert tube 16 is insertedwithin the opening 141 of Horizontal receiving member 140. One of theholes in insert tube 16 is aligned with hole 146 and a pin 144 may beused to secure the connection of insert tube 16 and receiving member140. A small flange 142 may be welded to horizontal receiving member140. This flange 142 helps to assure that anti-sway plate 26 sets flushagainst securing plate 34 and against the flange 142.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, it is apparent that further modifications and adaptations ofthe invention will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is tobe expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations arewithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A combination bicycle rack and work stand device for attachment to avehicle comprising: a support assembly attached to the vehicle, saidsupport assembly including a support member spaced from the vehicle; aclamp assembly mounted to support member and rotatable about saidsupport member, said clamp assembly having upper and lower jaws for orselective and releasable engagement of an object to be secured; a clamphandle hingedly mounted to said clamp assembly for selectively openingand closing said upper and lower jaws; means for adjusting a gap betweensaid upper and lower jaws thereby accommodating different sized objectto be secured by said clamp assembly, said means for adjusting includinga pair of complementary threaded members with at least one member ofsaid pair of members being hingedly connected to said handle; and meansfor rotating said clamp assembly about said support member and tomaintain said clamp assembly at a substantially fixed distance from thevehicle.
 2. The combination, as claimed in claim 1, further including: acarrier member spaced from said clamp assembly and mounted on saidsupport member for securing a second object.
 3. A combination bicyclerack and work stand for attachment to a vehicle comprising: a supportassembly attached to the vehicle, said support assembly including asupport member spaced from the vehicle; a champ assembly mounted to saidsupport member and rotatable about said support member, said clampassembly having upper and lower jaws for selective and releasableengagement of an object to be secured; a clamp handle hingedly mountedto said clamp assembly for selectively opening and closings said upperand lower jaws; means for adjusting a gap between said upper and lowerjaws thereby accommodating different sized objects to be by said clampassembly, said upper jaw being connected to said clamp handle and saidgap being adjusted by moving said upper jaw to and away form said lowerjaw, said lower jaw remaining stationary; and means for rotating saidclamp assembly about said support member and to maintain said clampassembly at a substantially fixed distance from the vehicle.
 4. Thecombination, as claimed in claim 3, further including: a carrier memberspaced from said clamp assembly and mounted on said support member forsecuring a second object.
 5. A method of securing plurality of object toa combination bicycle and work stand device, said method comprising thesteps of: providing the combination bicycle rack and work stand deviceincluding a support assembly for attaching the device to the vehicle, arotatable clamp assembly, the rotatable clamp assembly including meansfor adjusting a gap between upper and lower jaws of clamp assemblythereby accommodating different sized object to be secured by said clampassembly, and a carrier element mounted to the support assembly;securing the combination bicycle rack and work stand device to thevehicle; securing a first object to the clamp assembly; rotating theclamp assembly to a desired position while maintaining the clampassembly at a substantially fixed distance from the vehicle; andsecuring a second object to the carrier element while said first objectis secured to the clamp assembly.